Microstrip antenna for rfid device having both far-field and near-field functionality

ABSTRACT

Microstrip patch antenna ( 46 ), feed structure ( 48 ), and matching circuit ( 50 ) designs for an RFID tag ( 10 ). A balanced feed design using balanced feeds coupled by a shorting stub ( 56 ) to create a virtual short between the two feeds so as to eliminate the need for physically connecting the substrate to the ground plane. A dual feed structure design using a four-terminal IC can be connected to two antennas ( 46   a   ,46   b ) resonating at different frequencies so as to provide directional and polarization diversity. A combined near-field/far-field design using a microstrip antenna providing electromagnetic coupling for far-field operation, and a looping matching circuit providing inductive coupling for near-field operation. A dual-antenna design using first and second microstrip antennas providing directional diversity when affixed to a cylindrical or conical object, and a protective superstrate ( 66 ). An annular antenna ( 46   c ) design for application to the top of a metal cylinder around a stem.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present non-provisional patent application is a divisionalapplication and claims priority benefit of an earlier filednon-provisional application titled MICROSTRIP ANTENNA FOR RFID DEVICE,Ser. No. 12/788,550, filed May 27, 2010, which has been allowed, andwhich was a continuation of an earlier-filed non-provisional applicationtitled MICROSTRIP ANTENNA FOR RFID DEVICE, Ser. No. 11/610,048, filedDec. 13, 2006, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 7,750,813, issued Jul. 6,2010, and which was related to an earlier-filed provisional applicationtitled RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) ANTENNA TECHNIQUES, Ser.No. 60/750,182, filed Dec. 14, 2005. The identified earlier-filedapplications are hereby incorporated by reference into the presentapplication.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to radio frequencyidentification (RFID) devices, and, more specifically, to microstrippatch antennas for RFID devices and methods for making same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

RFID devices are used in a variety of different applications, including,for example, monitoring, cataloging, and tracking items. An RFID systemtypically includes a transponder, or “tag”, for storing and transmittingdata, an interrogator, or “reader”, for receiving the data from the tag,and a data communications network for conveying the data received by theinterrogator to an information system.

RFID tags generally have a tag antenna and an integrated circuit (IC).Tag antennas can be constructed from a variety of materials, includingsilver, copper, and aluminum, and can be printed (e.g., silkscreen,gravure, flexography), etched, stamped, or grown. Tags are “active” ifthey contain an internal power source, and “passive” if they receivepower from an external source such as the interrogator. Battery assistedtags (BATs) are a type of passive tag that uses an internal source topower the IC and an external source to power RF transmission.

Typically, in a two-terminal IC, one terminal is connected to a firstpole of a dipole antenna, and the other terminal is connected to asecond pole of the dipole antenna. In a four-terminal IC, one pair ofterminals may be connected to a first dipole antenna, and the other pairof terminals may be connected to a second dipole antenna. Typically, thetwo dipole antennas are planar and orthogonal in space, which providespolarization and directional diversity.

RFID interrogators have an interrogator antenna and use radio frequencysignals to acquire data remotely from tags that are within range. Morespecifically, the tag communicates with the interrogator by modulatingthe scattering parameters of the tag antenna. For example, the ICpresents an impedance that is the complex conjugate of the antennaimpedance; as a result, half of the RF energy will be delivered to theIC, and half scattered or re-radiated into space. However, a dipoleantenna in which the two feed points are shorted is effectively a metalwire of resonant length. RF energy of the resonant frequency inducescurrents in the resonant wire. Since a wire is an excellent conductor,little energy is turned into heat and nearly all of the RF energy isscattered. By modulating its impedance, the IC of the passive tag isable to change the amount of energy scattered by the tag. Theinterrogator detects this change in the magnitude or phase of thebackscattered energy and thereby detects signals from the tag.

RFID systems operate over a range of different frequencies, includinglow frequency (LF), typically around 125-135 KHz, high-frequency (HF),typically around 13.56 MHz, ultra-high-frequency (UHF), typically around315 MHz, 433 MHz, or 900 MHz, and microwave radio bands, typicallyaround 2.4 to 5.8 GHz. At LF and HF frequencies, the tag antenna istypically coupled to the interrogator antenna by a magnetic component ofthe reactive near-field, in which both antennas are typically configuredas coils in a resonant circuit. However, typical antennas used innear-field systems are typically only a small fraction of a wavelengthin their linear dimensions and, therefore, are inefficientelectromagnetic radiators and receptors. As a result, the useful rangeof operation may be limited to as little as a few inches from theinterrogator antenna. Such a short read distance is a significantdisadvantage in many applications.

At UHF and microwave frequencies, the tag antenna is typically coupledto the interrogator antenna by a radiating far-field, which useselectromagnetic (EM) waves that propagates over distances typically ofmore than a few wavelengths. As a result, the useful range of operationcan be up to twenty feet or more. However, compared to the HF band, theradiation and reception of EM waves at these higher frequency bands areaffected much more strongly by obstacles and materials in the immediateenvironment of the antennas. In particular, attaching tags to metalobjects or containers containing metal or water is problematic.

Many UHF RFID tags are provided with resonant dipole antennas. Dipoleantennas are known to have good free-space characteristics, have aconvenient form factor, and are easy to design and manufacture. However,dipole antennas suffer considerable performance degradation when placednear a high-loss and/or high-dielectric material, such as water, or neara conductor, such as metal. This is commonly referred to as the“metal/water problem” and occurs because the dielectric material changesthe electromagnetic properties of the antenna, which changes theresonant frequency and efficiency of the antenna. More specifically,when a dipole antenna is placed near a conductor, the operation of theantenna changes from that of a “free space resonator” to a “volumeresonator”, which impacts the performance of the antenna in a number ofways. If the antenna is no longer resonant, it becomes less efficient atradiating and receiving RF energy. The bandwidth of the antenna becomesnarrower, such that the antenna is only efficient over a much smallerrange of frequencies. If the antenna is intended to operate outside ofthis narrow band, it will suffer degraded performance. Furthermore, asthe resonant frequency of the antenna changes, the characteristicimpedance of the antenna changes. This further degrades performance byreducing efficient power transfer between the antenna and the IC.Additionally, if the dielectric material is lossy (e.g., water), thedielectric loss further contributes to the degradation of antennaperformance. Additionally, if the antenna is very close to metal, theconductive losses of the antenna can become more pronounced, especiallywhen not operating at its resonant frequency. Various solutions to theseproblems have been proposed, but all suffer from one or more limitationsand disadvantages.

Some RFID tags are provided with microstrip antennas. A microstripantenna is an antenna comprising a thin metallic conductor bonded to oneside of a substrate, and a ground plane is bonded to the opposite sideof the substrate. Microstrip antennas behave primarily as volumeresonators, which is fundamentally different from dipole antennascommonly provided with UHF RFID tags. Generally, a tag incorporating amicrostrip antenna also comprises a feed structure and matching circuit.The antenna, feed structure, and matching circuit are designedspecifically to operate with the substrate, and the ground planeelectrically isolates the antenna from the material to which it isattached.

Typical microstrip feed structures include a coaxial feed, microstrip(coplanar) feed, proximity-coupled microstrip feed, aperture-coupledmicrostrip feed, or coplanar waveguide feed. In each case, the antennacouples to a single unbalanced transmission line.

There are two common exceptions to the single unbalanced transmissionline feed structure. The first involves a coplanar waveguide (CPW),commonly used with a balanced feed to excite the waveguide. A CPW istypically constructed by scribing slot lines in the ground plane andrequires precise alignment, which significantly increases manufacturingcosts. Furthermore, the scribed ground plane is unsuitable for many RFIDapplications in which the tag is intended to be mounted directly onmetal.

The second exception is the use of two feeds to a square or roundmicrostrip antenna, where one feed is fed 90 degrees out of phase withrespect to the other feed. This may be done with edge-fed microstriptransmission lines (feeding two different edges) or two coaxial probes(feeding along different axes) in order to achieve circular polarizationof the antenna. This two-feed structure is normally derived from asingle feed that is divided, with one post-division transmission linebeing one-quarter wavelength longer than the other, which achieves the90 degree phase difference.

Existing microstrip antenna-based RFID tags are significantly complex tomanufacture. This is due, at least in part, to the incorporation of aphysical connection, e.g., a via, between the IC and the ground plane toprovide an electrical reference for the IC. The resulting non-planarconnecting structure significantly increases manufacturing complexity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the above-described and other problemsby providing an improved microstrip patch antenna, feed structure, andmatching circuit for an RFID tag, including a balanced feed design, adual feed structure design, a combined near-field/far-field design, adual antenna design, and an annular design. In doing so, the presentinvention enables the use of commodity, low-cost products, such asinlays, and commodity, low cost assembly methods, such as labelapplicators and web conversion.

The balanced feed design uses balanced feeds coupled by a virtualshorting stub to create a virtual short halfway between the two feeds soas to eliminate the need for physically connecting the substrate to theground plane. In one embodiment of this design, the tag comprises themicrostrip antenna, first and second feeds coupled with a non-radiatingedge of the microstrip antenna and 180 degrees out of phase with eachother, and a matching circuit coupling the first and second feeds to anIC, wherein the matching circuit includes a shorting stub coupling thefirst and second feeds together.

The dual feed structure design uses a four-terminal IC connected to twopatch antennas by matching circuits resonating at different frequenciesso as to provide directional and polarization diversity. In oneembodiment of this design, the tag comprises first and second patchantennas, an IC having first and second pairs of terminals, a firstmatching circuit for coupling the first patch antenna to the first pairof terminals on the IC, wherein the first matching circuit resonates ata first frequency, and a second matching circuit for coupling the secondpatch antenna to the second pair of terminals on the IC, wherein thesecond matching circuit resonates at a second frequency. In oneembodiment, the first antenna is a micro strip antenna operable above aground plane separated by a substrate, and the second patch antenna is adipole antenna operable with the substrate in free space. In oneembodiment, the first frequency is identical to the second frequency.

The combined near-field/far-field design uses a microstrip antennaproviding electromagnetic coupling for far-field operation, and alooping matching circuit providing inductive coupling for near-fieldoperation. In one embodiment of this design, the tag comprises amicrostrip antenna providing electromagnetic coupling for far-fieldoperation, an IC, and a matching circuit coupling the microstrip antennawith the integrated circuit, wherein the matching circuit has the shapeof a loop that is sufficiently large to provide inductive coupling fornear-field operation.

The dual antenna design uses first and second microstrip antennasproviding directional diversity when affixed to a cylindrical or conicalobject, and a protective superstrate. In one embodiment of this design,the tag comprises a first layer including a substrate and a groundplane, a second layer including first and second microstrip antennas,with each antenna extending toward a different side of the second layer,an IC, and first and second matching circuits coupling the first andsecond microstrip antennas, respectively, to the IC, and a third layerincluding a superstrate for protecting the second layer from an adversecondition of an operating environment, such as physical impacts or hightemperatures. The superstrate of the third layer may have a higherdielectric than the substrate of the first layer.

The annular design is particularly suited for application to the top ofa metal cylinder around a stem. In one embodiment of the design, the tagcomprises a microstrip antenna having an annular shape with an inneredge and an outer edge, an IC, and a matching circuit coupling themicrostrip antenna with the IC. In alternate embodiments, the matchingcircuit is coupled with the inner or the outer edge of the annulus. Inone embodiment, the annular shape may be circular or polygonal.

It will be appreciated that features of any two or more of the designsmay be combined for maximum advantage.

These and other features of the present invention are described in moredetail in the section titled DETAILED DESCRIPTION, below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and areincluded to further demonstrate certain aspects of the presentinvention. The figures are examples only, and do not limit the scope ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a model RFID tag to which theimprovements of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a model microstrip antenna such as may be usedin implementing the improvements of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the microstrip antenna having first and secondfeed structures.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the microstrip antenna having first and secondbalanced feed structures driven in an even mode.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the microstrip antenna having first and secondbalanced feed structures driven in an odd mode.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the microstrip antenna having first and secondbalanced feed structures which have been extended with transmissionlines.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the microstrip antenna having first and secondbalanced feed structures coupled with a matching circuit comprisingfirst and second transmissions lines.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the microstrip antenna having first and secondbalanced feed structures coupled by a shorting stub.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the microstrip antenna having first and secondbalanced feed structures coupled by a shorting stub.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a microstrip antenna having first and secondfeeds coupled asymmetrically to the antenna.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the antenna having first and second asymmetricbalanced feeds coupled by a shorting-stub.

FIG. 11A is a plan view of a two-element microstrip antenna whichresonates at two different frequencies.

FIG. 11B is a plan view of a two-element microstrip antenna whichresonates at two different frequencies, a balanced feed structure, and ashorting-stub matching circuit.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a first microstrip antenna and a secondmicrostrip antenna for coupling with a four-terminal integrated circuit.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a microstrip antenna and a dipole antenna forcoupling with a four-terminal IC.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an annular antenna with a matching circuitcoupled with an inner edge of the antenna.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of an annular antenna with a matching circuitcoupled with an outer edge of the antenna.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of an annular polygonal antenna having slots.

FIG. 17 is a sectional elevation view of a three-layered RFID tagincluding a superstrate layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the figures, an RFID tag is herein described, shown,and otherwise disclosed in accordance with one or more preferredembodiments of the present invention. More specifically, the presentinvention concerns improved microstrip patch antenna, feed structure,and matching circuit designs for an RFID tag, including a balanced feeddesign, a dual feed structure design, a combined near-field/far-fielddesign, a dual antenna design, and an annular design.

Referring to FIG. 1, a model RFID tag 40, or “transponder”, is showncomprising a ground plane 42, a dielectric substrate 44, a microstripantenna 46, a feed structure 48, a matching circuit 50, and an IC 52.The antenna 46, feed structure 48, and matching circuit 50 are designedto operate with the ground plane 42 and the dielectric substrate 44 toelectrically isolate the antenna 46 from the material to which the tag40 is attached. Generally, the microstrip antenna 46 of the presentinvention is a patch-type antenna, not a dipole-type antenna.

Referring to FIG. 2, a model antenna 46 is shown to demonstrate thecoordinate system used in the following discussion. The model 46 is of arectangular microstrip antenna with length L and width W, though othergeometries may be used.

The model antenna 46 may include a substrate with a thickness, h, adielectric constant, ∈_(r), and loss tangent, tan δ. The physicaldistance along the long axis is x, with x=0 describing the left edge ofthe rectangular patch, and x=L describing the right edge. V(x) and I(x)are the voltage and current, respectively, at point x. For simplicity,the current and voltage in the y direction are assumed to be uniform.

It is observed that I(0)=I(L)=0. It is also observed that the firstnon-trivial solution that satisfies the boundary conditions is:

$\begin{matrix}{{{I(x)} = {I_{0}{\sin \left( \frac{2\pi \; x}{\lambda_{e}} \right)}^{j\varphi}}},} & {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 1}\end{matrix}$

where λ_(e) is the effective wavelength taking into account thedielectric constant of the substrate and any fringing field effects.Similarly, the voltage distribution along the x-axis may be derived asfollows:

$\begin{matrix}{{V(x)} = {V_{0}{\cos \left( \frac{2\pi \; x}{\lambda_{e}} \right)}^{j\varphi}}} & {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 2}\end{matrix}$

If L>W, then the above solution describes the first resonant mode, orthe TM_(0,1) mode. First, it is noted that the current has even modesymmetry around the center of the antenna, i.e., I(L/2−x)=I(L/2+x).Second, it is noted that the voltage has odd mode symmetry around thecenter of the antenna, i.e., V (l/2−x)=−V (L/2+x). Third, at the middleof the antenna, I(L/2)=I₀ and V(L/2)=0, and, thus, the impedanceZ(L/2)=0. The first two observations are used for designing balancedfeeds, and the third is used for designing unbalanced feeds and forsubsequent analysis.

The model RFID tag 40 and the model antenna 46 are provided tofacilitate the following discussion, and do not limit the scope of thepresent invention.

Microstrip Antenna with Balanced Feed

As discussed, at least part of the complexity in manufacturingmicrostrip antennas results from the need to ground the IC 52, whichgenerally involves creating a physical connection between the IC 52 andthe ground plane 42. This problem is avoided by a balanced feed designusing balanced feeds coupled by a shorting stub to create a virtualshort halfway between the two feeds so as to eliminate the need forphysically connecting the substrate to the ground plane. In oneembodiment of this design, the tag comprises the microstrip antenna,first and second feeds coupled with a non-radiating edge of themicrostrip antenna and 180 degrees out of phase with each other, and amatching circuit coupling the first and second feeds to an IC, whereinthe matching circuit includes a shorting stub coupling the first andsecond feeds together. The resulting tag can be entirely planar, i.e.,with no structures connecting one plane to another, which significantlysimplifies manufacture. In one embodiment, the first and second feedsconsist of microstrip transmission lines.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 3, one way to attach a feed to arectangular microstrip antenna is to place the feed on a non-radiatingedge at some distance F from the middle of the patch, e.g., at x₁=L/2−F.The feed may be coupled to the non-radiating edge at a point chosen sothat Z(L/2−F)=Z_(0,t), where Z_(0,t) the characteristic impedance of thefeeding transmission line. Note that because of the symmetry, the pointx₂=L/2+F would work equally well. Other points along the non-radiatingedge may also be suitable under different constraints and objectives.

By observing the symmetries in the RFID tag, the relationship betweenthe two feed points x₁ and x₂ can be analyzed. While they both haveapproximately the same impedance, the time-varying behavior of thevoltages are opposite, or equivalently, 180 degrees out of phase. Thus,the currents flowing through the feeds are opposite in direction, orequivalently, 180 degrees out of phase. Therefore, the two feeds may beconsidered to be 180 degrees out of phase.

Another formulation for the current and voltage behavior is to use evenand odd mode analysis. Referring to FIG. 4, feed points x₁ and x₂ in theeven mode (in phase) results in an open circuit in the middle of therectangular patch. If the antenna is driven in the even mode, there isno excitation of the TM_(0,1) resonant mode. Referring to FIG. 5, if thefeed points x₁ and x₂ are driven in the odd mode, then a virtual shortcircuit develops in the middle of the rectangular patch, and theTM_(0,1) resonant mode is excited. Therefore, the odd mode analysis issufficient to describe the rectangular patch behavior at frequenciesnear the TM_(0,1) resonance. This is also true for rectangular patchesin which a nearly square patch would have a TM_(1,0) mode that couldalso be excited, and the odd mode symmetry is not sufficient to describeits behavior, and, thus, is subject to a different analysis.

The port impedance of point x₁ may be defined as:

Z(x ₁)=V(x ₁)/I(x ₁),  Eq. 3

where V(x₁) is the voltage at location x₁ with respect to ground. Fromthe analysis, a new port P¹², which is the port defined across points x₁and x₂ can be defined. The impedance of port P¹² is defined as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{Z^{12} = \left( \frac{{V\left( x_{1} \right)} - {V\left( x_{2} \right)}}{I\left( x_{1} \right)} \right)} & {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 4}\end{matrix}$

Because of the odd mode symmetry, it can be shown that:

Z ¹²=2Z(x ₁)=2Z(x ₂)  Eq. 5

Referring to FIG. 6, if the transmission lines with length/are extendedfrom the feeds in a symmetric way, the odd mode symmetry can bepreserved. The input impedance at points x₃ and x₄ are transformed usingthe standard transmission line equations. If Z₀ is the characteristicimpedance of the transmission lines, and/is the length of thetransmission line, then:

$\begin{matrix}{{Z\left( x_{3} \right)} = {Z_{0}\left( \frac{{Z\left( x_{1} \right)} + {{jZ}_{0}\tan \; \beta \; l}}{Z_{0} + {{{jZ}\left( x_{1} \right)}\tan \; \beta \; l}} \right)}} & {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 6}\end{matrix}$

The expression for Z(x₄) is similar. The odd mode symmetry is preserved,and, thus, odd mode analysis can be used to describe the antenna. If thetransmission lines are further extended in a symmetric way, the odd modesymmetry can be preserved and the odd mode analysis can be sufficient todescribe the circuit. Furthermore, the relationship Z³⁴=2Z(x₃)=2Z(x₄)continues to hold.

From the above-discussed odd symmetry analysis, a matching circuit canbe constructed entirely out of transmission lines. Referring to FIG. 7,in the simplest circuit, the transmission lines alone transform theimpedance. In this example, the antenna and matching circuit wasdesigned for an IC having an impedance of approximately 34+j110Ω, thedielectric having a thickness of approximately 0.062 inches, with∈_(r)=2.41 and tan δ=0.0035.

Referring to FIG. 8, a single shorting-stub matching circuit can also beconstructed using transmission lines. In one embodiment, the feed pointsare extended by length l1. Transmission lines of length l2 form ashorting stub 56 coupling the feed points, and can be subsequentlytransformed by another transmission line of length l3.

The transmission line of length l2 ends at a virtual short circuit,which can be shown using the same odd mode analysis used above. Bychoosing the feed point impedance and the lengths and widths of thetransmission lines, substantially any impedance to port P⁵⁶ may befeasible.

The IC can be coupled to the matching circuit across this port.Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the complex conjugate of the ICimpedance is presented across port P⁵⁶.

Other matching circuit configurations are also contemplated. Forexample, tapered lines matching circuits, open stubs matching circuits,multiple shorting or open stubs matching circuits, or multi-sectioned,series-connected transmission lines matching circuits, or other matchingcircuit geometries may be coupled to the antenna.

As mentioned, the middle of a rectangular patch antenna has a voltage ofzero (V(L/2)=0). A good conductor with a voltage of zero is effectivelya short circuit. Thus, the middle of the rectangular patch antenna maybe used as a virtual reference to ground. This feed may be used twoways: first, to provide an electrical reference for one end of an IC,and, second, as a reference for a shorting stub for the construction ofa matching circuit, such as the shorting-stub matching circuit on arectangular patch antenna shown in FIG. 10. It is noted that othermatching circuits would be suitable, including, without limitation,transmission lines, stepped transmission lines, a multiplicity ofstepped transmission lines, tapered transmission lines, a combination ofstepped and tapered transmission lines, shorting stubs with a singlestub or a multiplicity of stubs.

In another embodiment, the two feeds to an antenna are aligned so thatthey are neither balanced nor unbalanced, but rather are asymmetricallyplaced along the non-radiating edge of the antenna. An embodiment of abalanced feed shorting-stub matching circuit is shown in FIG. 11. Whilethis feed structure is feasible for some antenna designs, the asymmetricfeed may not be as efficient as the symmetric feeds.

Referring to FIG. 11A, two antennas 46 a,46 b are shown that resonate atdifferent frequencies with a single balanced feed 48 and appropriatematching circuit 50. More specifically, two rectangular microstripantennas 46 a,46 b are configured such that they intersect to form across, providing both dual-resonance and dual-polarization. In oneembodiment, the first antenna 46 a is tuned to resonate at approximately867 MHz and has first polarization, while the second antenna 46 b istuned to resonate at approximately 915 MHz and has second polarization.At 867 MHz, the first rectangle 46 a forms a resonant antenna, and theresonant frequency of the second rectangle 46 b is sufficiently farremoved so as to not be substantially excited and, therefore, acts as awide transmission line. The feed taken off of the second rectangle 46 bis, therefore, substantially an electrical ground. Thus, at 867 MHz thefeed structure 48 behaves close to that of a balanced feed where onefeed is taken from the center of the antenna (ground). Similarly, at 915MHz the second rectangle 46 b is at resonance and the first rectangle 46a acts as a wide transmission line from ground. Again, the feedstructure 48 acts as a balanced feed where one feed is taken from thecenter of the antenna (ground).

Referring to FIG. 11B, a multi-element 46 a,46 b patch antenna is shownwith balanced feeds 48 a,48 b coupled with a common shorting-stubmatching circuit 50 allowing for antennas resonating at multiplefrequencies. This design has dual-resonant behavior, having one resonantfrequency at approximately 865 MHz and the second at approximately 915MHz. The behavior at 915 MHz is an even mode in which the currents inthe two antenna elements 46 a,46 b are moving out of phase, and thus,the radiation pattern of the antenna is not orthogonal to the plane, butrather has two lobes at approximately 45 degree angles.

Microstrip Patch Antenna with Dual Feed Structures

As discussed, four-terminal ICs can be connected to dual dipoleantennas, with one pair of terminals being coupled to a first dipole,and the other pair of terminals being coupled to a second dipole that isorthogonal to the first dipole. Because the radiation pattern is nearlyspherical, the tag can be read nearly equally well from any orientation.Furthermore, the dual-dipole design is linearly polarized in twoorientations, giving it polarization diversity, which is useful forinteracting with interrogators using linearly polarized antennas.However, a microstrip antenna has little or no radiation in thedirection of the ground plane, and so a dual dipole is generally notuseful for achieving directional diversity.

Rather than use the two-port device for special diversity, the two portscan be used for frequency diversity. This can be accomplished by a dualfeed structure design using a four-terminal IC connected to rectangularpatch antennas by matching circuits resonating at different frequenciesso as to provide directional and polarization diversity. In oneembodiment of this design, the tag comprises first and second patchantennas, an IC having first and second pairs of terminals, a firstmatching circuit for coupling the first patch antenna to the first pairof terminals on the IC, wherein the first patch antenna resonates at afirst frequency, and a second matching circuit for coupling the secondpatch antenna to the second pair of terminals on the IC, wherein thesecond patch antenna resonates at a second frequency. In one embodiment,the first antenna is a microstrip antenna operable above a ground planeseparated by a substrate, and the second patch antenna is a dipoleantenna operable with the substrate in free space. In one embodiment,the first frequency is identical to the second frequency.

More specifically, because thin microstrip antennas tend to have narrowbandwidths, a multiple-antenna configuration can be used. Referring toFIG. 12, in one embodiment, the four-terminal IC includes one pair ofterminals coupled to a first antenna 46 a with a matching circuit 50 athat resonates at one frequency (e.g., 915 MHz), and another pair ofterminals coupled with a second antenna 46 b with a matching circuit 50b that resonates at a second frequency (e.g., 866 MHz). Both of theantennas can be coupled to the IC using balanced feeds and ashorting-stub matching circuit.

The use of a substrate affects the resonant behavior of a microstripantenna differently than it affects the resonant behavior of a dipole orother antenna without a ground plane. It is therefore useful to have anRFID tag that operates with a substrate both over a ground plane andwithout a ground plane.

Referring to FIG. 13, in one embodiment, two distinct antennas arecoupled to the IC. The first antenna is a microstrip antenna designed towork above a ground plane separated by a substrate, and the secondantenna is a dipole antenna designed to operate with the same substratein free space. The two antennas can be tuned to the same or differentresonant frequencies.

Microstrip Antenna for Near-Field and Far-Field Operation

The terms “near-field” and “far-field” are generally defined as follows:Let D be the largest dimension of an antenna, and λ be the free spacewavelength of the frequency of interest (33 cm for 915 MHz). The regionof space closer than 2D²/λ is generally considered the near-fieldregion, and the region of space further than 2D²/λ is generallyconsidered the far-field region.

In the near-field region, magnetic or inductive fields tend to dominate.The inductive field strength falls off with 1/d³ of the antenna, where dis distance. Near-field communication within RFID systems generallytakes place using inductive coupling, utilizing the strong magneticfields that are located close to the antenna. Inductive coupling isincreased by using loops. Thus, for near-field communication, theinterrogator and tag generally use some form of a loop antenna.

In the far-field region, electromagnetic fields tend to dominate, whichare the propagating fields. Far-field communication within RFID systemsgenerally takes place using electromagnetic coupling, much like a RADARsystem. Commonly, the RFID interrogator antenna is a microstrip antenna,and the RFID tag antenna is some dipole antenna, where both antennas areefficient at radiating energy into the far field.

Combined near-field/far-field dipole-based RFID tags do not adapt wellto working with a ground plane in the same way that far-fielddipole-based RFID tags do not adapt well to working well near a groundplane. Because patch antennas are typically solid (e.g., a rectangle)and often wide, they are generally not a good source for inductivecoupling.

This problem is avoided by a combined near-field/far-field design usinga microstrip antenna providing electromagnetic coupling for far-fieldoperation, and a looping matching circuit providing inductive couplingfor near-field operation. In one embodiment of this design, the tagcomprises a microstrip antenna providing electromagnetic coupling forfar-field operation, an IC, and a matching circuit coupling themicrostrip antenna with the integrated circuit, wherein the matchingcircuit has the shape of a loop that is sufficiently large to provideinductive coupling for near-field operation.

Examples of combined near-field/far-field tags are shown in FIGS. 14-16,which are described in greater detail below. The matching circuit ofFIG. 9 creates a loop of a small area. By modifying the loop to have amuch larger area, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, both good near-fieldand far-field performance can be achieved. More specifically, the loopprovides sufficient inductive coupling for near-field operation, whilethe primary microstrip antenna provides sufficient electromagneticcoupling for far-field operation.

Microstrip Antenna Array for Cylindrical or Conical Objects

It is sometimes necessary to affix the tag to a metal cylinder or cone.Unfortunately, a conventional tag used for this purpose may not bereadable if it is located on the other side of the cylinder or cone fromthe interrogator.

This problem is avoided by a dual antenna design using first and secondmicrostrip antennas providing directional diversity when affixed to acylindrical or conical object, and a protective superstrate. In oneembodiment of this design, referring to FIG. 17, the tag comprises afirst layer 60 including the substrate and the ground plane, a secondlayer 62 including first and second microstrip antennas, with eachantenna extending toward a different side of the object, an IC, andfirst and second matching circuits coupling the first and secondmicrostrip antennas, respectively, to the IC, and a third layer 64including a superstrate 66 for protecting the second layer from anadverse condition of an operating environment, such as physical impactsor high temperatures. This design achieves sufficient directionaldiversity such that at least one of the antennas is substantially alwaysreadable regardless of the orientation of the cylinder or cone.

The microstrip may be shorted, resistively loaded, or full length (halfwavelength), depending on size and performance requirements.

The superstrate protects the tag from adverse conditions associated withthe operating environment, such as physical impacts and hightemperatures. The superstrate may have a higher dielectric constant thanthe substrate of the base layer. In one embodiment, the dielectric ofthe superstrate is less than 10; in another embodiment, the dielectricis equal to or less than approximately 6.

To facilitate affixing the tag to the cylinder or cone, the layers maybe given a curved shape approximating the curvature of the cylindricalor conical surface, or may be made flexible so as to readily conform tothe cylindrical or conical surface when applied thereto.

Microstrip Antenna with Annular Shape

As mentioned, geometries other than rectangles may be used for theantenna design, depending on the requirements of the particularapplication. It is sometimes necessary to tag the top of a cylinderhaving a stem. Rectangular antennas are generally not sufficientlyconformable for this application.

This problem is avoided by an annular design which is particularlysuited for application to the top of a metal cylinder around a stem. Inone embodiment of the design, the tag comprises a microstrip antennahaving an annular shape with an inner edge and an outer edge, an IC, anda matching circuit coupling the microstrip antenna with the IC. Thematching circuit may be coupled with either the inner or outer edge ofthe annulus. The annular shape may be circular or polygonal.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 14, the matching circuit 50 can becoupled to the inner edge of the annular antenna 46 c. In an exemplaryembodiment, the outside diameter of the annulus is approximately 86 mmon an approximately 6.2×10⁻² inch substrate with ∈_(r)=2.41 and tan δ3.5×10⁻³. Referring to FIG. 15, the matching circuit can be coupled tothe outer edge of the annular antenna in applications where the antennais to be placed around stem projecting from the cylinder, such as is thecase with water bottles and fire extinguishers.

In some applications, an adjustable annular antenna may be needed.Referring to FIG. 16, one embodiment of the antenna includes slots 70for redirecting currents. Smaller antennas tend to resonate at higherfrequencies, and the slots force the currents to meander, allowing asmaller antenna to resonate at a lower frequency than would otherwise bepossible. Furthermore, a multi-sided hollow polygon can be used toapproximate a circle to aid in more exact computer simulation of antennadesigns. In one embodiment, the hexagonal annulus antenna of FIG. 16 isapproximately 66 mm by 60 mm with several slots and a shorting-stubmatching circuit coupled to the inside edge of the antenna.

It will be appreciated that features of any two or more of theabove-described designs may be combined for maximum benefit. Forexample, a microstrip antenna with the annular shape may be providedwith the balanced feed structure, the dual feed structure, or thestructure for combined near-field/far-field operation. Othercombinations are possible.

All of the apparatuses and methods disclosed and claimed herein can bemade and executed without undue experimentation in light of the presentdisclosure.

While the present invention has been described in terms of particularembodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat variations may be applied to the methods and in the steps or in thesequence of steps of the method described herein without departing fromthe concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. All such similarsubstitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art aredeemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the disclosure asdefined by the appended claims.

1. A radio frequency transponder comprising: an antenna providingelectromagnetic coupling for far-field operation, and thereby acting asa far-field antenna; an integrated circuit; and a matching circuitcoupling the antenna with the integrated circuit, the matching circuitincluding a circuit loop providing inductive coupling for near-fieldoperation, and thereby acting as a near-field antenna.
 2. Theradio-frequency transponder as set forth in claim 1, wherein the antennais a microstrip patch antenna.
 3. The radio-frequency transponder as setforth in claim 1, wherein there are at least two antennas.
 4. Theradio-frequency transponder as set forth in claim 1, wherein there areat least two matching circuits.
 5. The radio-frequency transponder asset forth in claim 1, wherein far-field operation involves frequenciesapproximately between ultra-high and microwave frequencies.
 6. Theradio-frequency transponder as set forth in claim 1, wherein near-fieldoperation involves frequencies approximately between low and highfrequencies.
 7. The radio-frequency transponder as set forth in claim 1,wherein the antenna has a first impedance, and the integrated circuithas a second impedance, and the matching circuit transforms the firstimpedance of the antenna into the second impedance of the integratedcircuit.
 8. The radio-frequency transponder as set forth in claim 1,further including: a ground plane; and a dielectric substrate interposedbetween the ground plane and the antenna.
 9. The radio-frequencytransponder as set forth in claim 1, wherein the antenna issubstantially annular in shape.
 10. The radio-frequency transponder asset forth in claim 9, wherein the antenna is substantially polygonal inshape.
 11. The radio-frequency transponder as set forth in claim 1,wherein the antenna has an inner edge and an outer edge, and thematching circuit is coupled with the inner edge of the antenna.
 12. Theradio-frequency transponder as set forth in claim 1, wherein the antennahas an inner edge and an outer edge, and the matching circuit is coupledwith the outer edge of the antenna.
 13. The radio-frequency transponderas set forth in claim 1, further including: first and second feedsextending between the antenna and the matching circuit; and a shortingstub extending between the first and second transmission lines.
 14. Aradio frequency identification transponder comprising: a microstrippatch antenna providing electromagnetic coupling for far-fieldoperation, and thereby acting as a far-field antenna; an integratedcircuit; and a matching circuit coupling the microstrip patch antennawith the integrated circuit, the matching circuit including a circuitloop of sufficient size to provide inductive coupling for near-fieldoperation, and thereby acting as a near-field antenna.
 15. Theradio-frequency identification transponder as set forth in claim 14,wherein there are at least two antennas and at least two matchingcircuits.
 16. The radio-frequency identification transponder as setforth in claim 14, wherein far-field operation involves frequencies ofapproximately between 315 MHz and 5.8 GHz.
 17. The radio-frequencyidentification transponder as set forth in claim 14, wherein near-fieldoperation involves frequencies of approximately between 125 kHz and13.56 MHz.
 18. The radio-frequency identification transponder as setforth in claim 14, further including: a ground plane; and a dielectricsubstrate interposed between the ground plane and the microstrip patchantenna.
 19. The radio-frequency identification transponder as set forthin claim 14, wherein the antenna has an inner edge and an outer edge,and the matching circuit is coupled with one of the inner and outeredges of the antenna.
 20. A radio frequency identification transpondercomprising: a microstrip patch antenna providing electromagneticcoupling for far-field operation involving frequencies approximatelybetween ultra-high and microwave frequencies, and thereby acting as afar-field antenna; an integrated circuit; a matching circuit couplingthe microstrip patch antenna with the integrated circuit, the matchingcircuit including a circuit loop of sufficient size to provide inductivecoupling for near-field operation involving frequencies approximatelybetween low and high frequencies, and thereby acting as a near-fieldantenna; a ground plane; and a dielectric substrate interposed betweenthe ground plane and the microstrip patch antenna, the integratedcircuit, and the matching circuit.